Lamp



Sept. 9, 1941. oss 2,255,433

LAMP

Filed Jan. 12, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. GERA L o M 0 S8 A TTORNEY Patented Sept. 9, 1941 UNETED STATES PATENT GFFIQE LAMP Gerald Moss, San Francisco, Calif.

Application January 12, 1940, Serial No. 313,575

3 Claims.

The invention, in general, relates to means for illuminating objects and more particularly relates to reading lamps especially suitable for use between adjacent beds or twin-bed sets in hotel rooms, bed rooms and the like.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a reading lamp adapted to afford a diffused, soft or subdued illumination and enabling the occupant of one bed of adjacent beds to utilize the lamp without disturbing the occupant of the other bed.

Another object of my invention is to provide a lamp of the indicated nature for illuminating objects on both sides thereof or for illuminating objects on one side thereof independently of the other side.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a bed-side lamp of the indicated character which is of attractive, artistic design.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a reading lamp of the aforementioned character which includes means for cooling reflecting surfaces to prevent undue heating of the lamp.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a lamp of the indicated nature which is further characterized by its simplicity of structure affording ready accessibility to parts for cleaning or replacement and which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects of the invention, together with some of the advantageous features thereof, will appear from the following description of a preferred and certain modified embodiments of my invention which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that I am not to be limited to the precise embodiments depicted in the drawings, nor to the precise arrangement of parts shown, as my invention, as defined in the appended claims, can be embodied in a plurality and variety of forms.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a sectional elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a view taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic showing of a wiring circuit for the preferred and modified embodiments of the invention, this view likewise showing in dotted lines a reduced front elevation of the preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a view taken on the line 5--5 of Fi ure 1.

Figure 6 is a sectional, elevational View of a modified embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a sectional, elevational view of another modification of the invention.

In its preferred form, the lamp of my invention preferably comprises a base, a pair of fluorescent, incandescent or other type of light emitting bulbs removably supported in said base, means for interrupting light rays in one direction that emanate from said bulbs to thus prevent illumination of objects on the opposite side of a lighted bulb, together with means encompassing said bulbs for affording a diffused illumination when either or both of said bulbs are lighted.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a base 6 which may be fabricated from any desired material, such as from a wood, a metal or a phenolic condensate and which may be formed to any desired shape. In the embodiments of my invention, the base 6 is fabricated of metal and, in keeping with the design motif of the balance of the lamp, the base 6 preferably is formed to a general elliptical shape with a top thereon of step formation affording a flat, outer shoulder 1, a higher, fiat inner shoulder 8, together with an elliptically shaped, fiat central portion 9. As illustrated particularly in Figure l of the drawings, the central portion 9 of the top of the base 6 is formed with a pair of spaced, relatively large openings therein for snugly receiving light sockets l3 and M of the conventional type and size and which are adapted to removably receive standard incandescent, fluorescent or other type of light emitting bulbs. While any shape of light bulb may be utilized, such as the spherical or globular shapes, I preferably provide light bulbs I6 and I! of tubular or elongated shape so that when fitted into the sockets l3 and I4, respectively, the bulbs extend an appreciable height in the lamp, as shown. The base 6 also is formed with a pair of relatively small openings in the exterior shoulder l and at opposite sides of the base through which are passed a pair of pushrods or buttons I8 and 19 that are connected to switches mounted directly below the openings on the under side of the top of the base 6. These switches have been designated by the reference numerals 2| and 22 in the wiring diagram of Figure 4 of the drawings and, as shown, are connected into an electrical circuit by means of electrical conductors 23, 24, 25 and 26 leading to a source of electricity, not shown. The circuit arrangement is such that each switch controls one of the light bulbs so that manipulation of the push-rods l8 and 19 to actuate the associated switches 2| and 22, respectively, energizes and shuts off light bulbs l6 and I! independently. The leads 23 to 25 inclusive are conveniently housed in the base 6 through the medium of a detachable closure plate 21.

As particularly illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and of the drawings, means are provided for interrupting light rays in one direction that emanate from the light bulbs l5 and H so that with either one of the bulbs lighted objects on the side of the lamp opposite to such lighted bulb will be in relative darkness. Thus, with the lamp of my invention disposed between adjacent beds, and with one bulb lighted, an occupant of the bed adjacent to such lighted bulb will be able to read from the light emanating therefrom while the occupant of the bed remote from, or on the opposite side of the lamp from such lighted bulb, will be in relative darkness and undisturbed by the light. To this end, the lamp of my invention is provided with a baffle plate 28 which is fabricated from an opaque material and which is supported between the spaced light bulbs l5 and [1. While any suitable means can be employed for supporting the opaque plate 28, in the preferred embodiment of my invention the plate is mounted on an upright rod 29, preferably by means of soldering or welding. Rod 23 is provided with threads at each extremity thereof, and to firmly hold the rod in operative, upright position I provide a pair of lock-nuts 3! and 32 on the rod which, when screwed down tightly, bear upon opposite sides of the top of the base 8. It will be observed that the bottom closure plate is detachably fastened in position by means of rod 29, which passes through an opening in the plate, and a nut 33 which bears upon the plate when screwed down tightly on rod 29. Preferably the opposite surfaces of baffle'plate 28 are coated with a suitable material for reflecting light such as aluminum so that baiiie plate 28 possesses the dual function of interrupting and reflecting light rays.

In accordance with my invention, I provide means for affording a difiused, soft or subdued light from the lamp and to this end I preferably provide a shield for the bulbs which is fabricated from a translucent material, such as frosted or opalescent glass. The shield for the light bulbs may comprise a hollow body, if desired, but I preferably provide a shield of two sections 36 and 3'! which are formed to a general U-shape, as

shown, and which are complementary so that when the open ends of the section are placed adjacent to one another a substantially continuous body is provided which encompasses the light bulbs and bailie plate 28, except at the top of the lamp and a relatively narrow space between the open ends of the sections. As illustrated particularly in Figures 1, 2 and 5 of the drawings, the two sections 36 and 31 of the encompassing translucent shield are partially held together in an upright position seated on base 6 by a pair of standards 38 and 39 which are removably fitted to the base 5 at the front and back of the lamp by means of a tongue 4| extending from the bottom of each of the standards, as well as apertures 42 formed in the base and into which the tongues 4! are received. In assembling the lamp, shield sections 36 and 31 are seated on shoulder 8 of the top of base 6 with the open ends of the sections adjacent to each other, and standards and 33 are fitted into the apertures 42 of the base and laid against the sections of the shield with the upper turnedover end of each standard overlying the upper edges of the shield sections. Standards 38 and 39 are preferably formed to a width sufficient to partially overlap a portion of each shield section adjacent the juncture of their meeting edges, as clearly depicted in Figure 2 of the drawings. Moreover, each of the standards 38 and 39 is provided with spaced, longitudinal grooves 43 in their inner surfaces which receive out-turned flanges 44 formed on the shield sections 36 and 3'! at their open ends, thus affording a wedge fit between the standards and the U-shaped shield sections.

In order to prevent escape of light rays above the light bulbs and prevent indirect and partially direct illumination of objects on the side of the lamp opposite to a lighted bulb, I preferably provide a top or cover 43 for the lamp which is formed with a depending flange 41 thereon that fits closely to upstanding flanges 48 formed on the shield sections 36 and 31, as shown in Figures 1 and 5 of the drawings. The formation of the flange 48-on each shield section affords a shoulder 49 thereon which, when the two sections are in abutting relationship, form a continuous seat for the cover or top 43 of the lamp. Cover carries a depending baffle plate 53, which preferably is cast integrally with the cover or which can be fixedly secured to the underside of the cover by means of soldering or welding and which, with the cover in position, serves as a continuation of bafiie plate 28 so that the two plates together, that is plate 25 and plate 50, effectively interrupt light rays from each light bulb in one direction. To avoid dislodgment of the cover from the lamp, I preferably detachably secure the same in position on the shield sections by detachably mounting the cover on rod 29. preferably by means of a wing-nut 5| which is provided with an internally threaded bushing 52 for threading the nut to the upper threaded extremity of the rod. Tightening of the wingnut 5| on rod 29 so that the bushing engages the upper surface of the cover 45 will firmly hold the latter in position.

In order to prevent undue heating of the lamp, I preferably provide means for permitting air circulation into and out of the encompassing shield sections. To effect this result, I provide a series of perforations 53 in the base 5 and also slot the cover 45, as at 54. Since the base 3 is held in spaced relationship to any surface upon which the lamp is placed by virtue of the cushioning members l2, air can enter from under the base 5 and through the perforations 53 therein into the interior of the shield and circulate therethrough to issue from the slots 54 provided in the top 45. It is clear from the showing of Figure 2 that perforations 53 in base 6 will be inside of the shield sections when the lamp is set up or assembled. In order not to detract from the appearance of the top of the lamp, the slots 54 are formed adjacent the center so that wing-nut 5| overlies the same. Bushing 52 of wing-nut 5! is, however, made of sufiicient size that it projects from the wing-nut and acts as a spacing member to maintain the wings of the wing-nut 5| in spaced relationship to the top 43 and thus permit air to escape from the interior of the shield out through slots 54 of the top.

To enhance the beauty, attractiveness and general design of the lamp so that it will not detract from the interior decorating of bed rooms and the like or from conventional furnishings in ofiices, I preferably ornament the shield sections 36 and 31 with spaced vertical flutings 56 and also provide a bead 51 and a bead 58 on the top and bottom, respectively, of each shield section. To conform to this design, the outer surfaces of the standards 38 and 39 are provided With spaced, longitudinally extending heads M which conveniently are formed thereon when the grooves 43 in the interior surfaces thereof are formed. In addition to this ornamentation, I preferably form the top or cover it of the lamp similarly to the design of base 6 providing a step formation thereon, as shown. Moreover,

wing-nut preferably is formed with a curved top in keeping with the remainder of design motif which affects a modified modernistic structure.

In Figure 6 of the drawings, I have depicted a modified embodiment of my invention which is substantially similar to the preferred embodiment of the invention in so far as outward appearance is concerned but differs from the preferred embodiment in the means for obstructing light rays emanating from the separate lighted bulbs. In this modification, the similarities to the preferred embodiment include a base I55 supported on cushioning members H2 and provided with spaced sockets H3 and H4 for removably receiving light bulbs H6 and H1. Base H36 similarly is provided with push-buttons H8 and H9 which are connected to switches for energizing and shutting off the light bulbs H6 and H1, independently, switches being independently actuated by push-buttons H8 and H9, and installed on the base directly below the same. The light diiTusing shield for this modification also is similar to the shield of the preferred embodiment in that it includes a pair of complementary U-shaped sections F36 and 13! of translucent material which seat upon base Hi6 and which, as assembled with their open ends in abutment, encompass the light bulbs H6 and H1. A suitable cover plate I46 of similar shape and design of the top or cover 46 of the preferred embodiment is provided for this modification, the cover being adapted to snugly seat on the tops of the shield sections I36 and I31. This modification also includes a centrally disposed rod 129 upon which cover plate M6 is detachably mounted by means of a wing-nut [5L Although not shown in Figure 5, this modification also includes a pair of standards for holding the shield sections together in upright position on the base I06.

To prevent light rays from one lighted bulb to pass to the other side of the lamp and il-l. luminate objects at such side, I provide separate bafile plates 128 of opaque material for controlling light rays from each bulb. Preferably, each of the baffle plates I28 includes side wings I38 partially encompassing the bulb with which the baflie is associated and each baiiie plate conveniently is provided with a bifurcated base I36A of resilient material for functionally engaging the light sockets H3 and H5, or for attaching the bafiies directly to the bulbs.

Another modification of the invention is depicted in Figure 7 of the drawings wherein I have shown a structure generally similar to the other embodiments in that it includes a base 206 with its top apertured to receive a pair of light sockets 253 and 214 in which light bulbs 246 and 2!! are removably mounted. Push-buttons H8 and 219 are installed at opposite sides of base 206 and are connected to switches for independently energizing each light bulb. To interrupt light rays in one direction from each of the bulbs, I provide, in this modification, a coating of opaque material, such as a paint, on that portion of the exterior surface of each bulb that is disposed adjacent'to the center of the lamp, as shown. The remaining parts of this modification are in all respects similar to the other embodiments illustrated and include a central rod 229 fastened to base 2%, a pair of translucent shield sections 23% and 23'! encompassing the light bulbs, and a cover 246 seated on the shield sections and detachably fastened to rod 229 by means of a wing-nut 25L While I have especially mentioned above that the lamp of my invention is particularly useful in bed rooms when disposed between adjacent beds, it likewise is entirely suitable for use on store counters, show-cases, double-desks in offices and can be eflectively used in other rooms of the home as an ornamental console lamp or on radio cabinets. Due to the fact that it requires only the unscrewing of the wing-nut at the top of the central rod to disassemble the lamp, the replacement of a burned-out bulb as well as cleaning of the various elements is a relatively simple matter.

It is to be understood that the appended claims are to be accorded a range of equivalents commensurate in scope with the advance made over the prior art.

I claim:

1. A lamp comprising a base having a pair of spaced light bulb sockets therein for removably receiving light bulbs, a pair of translucent shield sections removably seated on said'base; each of said sections having an open end and said sections being arranged with their open ends adjacent to one another, a rod removably fastened to said base and projecting therefrom between said sections, an opaque baffle plate on said rod transversely spanning said sections to interrupt light rays in one direction that emanate from energized light bulbs, means for removably holding said sections together on said base in an upright position, a top for the lamp removably seated on the top of said sections, and. a nut removably fastened to said rod and bearing on said top.

2. A lamp comprising a base having a pair of spaced light bulb sockets therein, a light bulb removably disposed in each of said sockets, means for energizing said light bulbs independently, a pair of translucent shield sections of generally U-shape removably seated on said base with their open ends adjacent to one another; each of said sections partially encompassing a light bulb and each having an outwardly extending flange at its open end, a rod removably fastened to said base and projecting therefrom between said sections, an opaque bafflle plate on said rod spanning the open ends of said sections to interrupt light rays in one direction emanating from said light bulbs, a pair of standards supported on opposite sides of said base; each of said standards having spaced longitudinally extending grooves therein for receiving adjacent portions of said flanges of said sections on opposite sides of said base, a top for the lamp removably seated on said sections and engaging the top of said standards, and a nut removably fastened to said rod and bearing on said top for firmly holding said sections.

3. A lamp comprising a base having a pair of spaced light bulb sockets therein, a rim on said base, a light bulb removably disposed in each of said sockets, means for energizing each of said light bulbs independently, a pair of translucent shield sections removably seated on said. base and engaging said rim; said sections being of U-shape, having their open ends adjacent to one another, an outwardly extending flange on each section adjacent to its open end, a pair of standards projecting from said base on opposite sides thereof; said standards having spaced grooves therein for receiving said outwardly extending flanges of adjacent sections, a rod extending from said base between said sections, a baffle on said rod extending transversely of said base; said baflie being adapted to interrupt light rays in one direction emanating from said light bulbs 10 when energized, and means detachably fastened to said rod for firmly clamping said shield sec tions together.

GERALD MOSS. 

